Chapter 1975 - 535: Meanwhile, the Train Departs from the Hero's Hometown (6)

Whether it was the distant farmers, the nearby noble squires, or the priests scolding commoners, they all involuntarily closed their mouths.

The white-haired Duke, whom they privately referred to as a demon, did not ride a warhorse, nor did he have a longsword symbolizing force at his waist.

However, just by standing there, he exuded an aura that made them dare not speak loudly.

"Esteemed Grand Duke, and esteemed Prince, welcome to your arrival..."

The royal steward and local officials immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply, and offered words of praise and welcome along with blessings.

Off to the side of the crowd, several men and women in outdated formal attire, with dejected expressions, also bowed their heads.

They were members of Earl Derek's family.

Although Derek himself was still imprisoned in the dungeon of Thunder City, this did not affect his family; they were only under royal surveillance and not imprisoned.

Standing here now, in itself, was a silent announcement — this land had changed hands.

From now on, the people here only needed to obey one law, which was the law of the Duchy.

If the descendants of Earl Derek did not know what decency was, someone would help them to be decent.

"All of you may rise."

Edward smiled and raised his hand slightly, his gaze sweeping over those faces with various expressions, finally resting on his steward.

"Mr. Priest, I believe our guests are hungry, and I hope it's not too far from here to the 'Glanston Castle's City Hall'. "

He emphasized the word "Glanston Castle's City Hall" heavily, as it was once the manor of Earl Derek.

It was also the first estate confiscated by the royal family from the rebels.

The steward nodded respectfully.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, the banquet is ready. The kitchen at City Hall has prepared sumptuous roast meat and chilled champagne for you and your guests, and the doors are always open to you."

"Very well."

Edward nodded and then smiled and gave an instruction.

"This train carries citizens of the Duchy, they are our 'first level'! Please make sure to entertain them well and make them feel our enthusiasm!"

The term "first level" was something he learned from the "Three-level Council" of Roland City, thanks in part to the work of the Royal Intelligence Bureau.

It was said that Theoden used it to refer to priests who contributed nothing to the country and used the second level to refer to those nobles who didn't listen to him.

This idea was quite humorous, Edward Campbell would not do such a foolish thing, he certainly wouldn't pamper those ingrates.

In his Duchy, Campbell people would no longer distinguish nobility by antiquity and lineage, but by their contributions to the Duchy.

He wouldn't use a childlike tone to say that levels and power didn't exist, but the citizens of the Duchy were undoubtedly his "first level."

As for the third level, it was undoubtedly those traitors like Earl Derek who colluded with King Ryan, as well as the prisoners sitting in jail with that guy.

And whether they were "first level" or "third level," they would all ride the same train and arrive on time at the same time.

Yes.

Even Earl Derek and his traitors would get to enjoy the royal chef's cuisine in the dungeon tonight.

However, don't expect them to eat too well.

These guys only deserved to squat behind the iron bars, passing a difficult night with fried pork chops and buttered bread dipped in stew.

Edward thought to himself how truly evil he was.

Perhaps the priests were not wrong, there indeed was a terrible demon lurking in his shadow, only suppressed by piety or something else.

A lavishly decorated carriage stopped by the roadside of the train station, with tall black horses trotting their hooves, mounted by upright cavalry.

The passengers on the train, under the reception of the attendants, disembarked one after another, stepping onto the red carpet temporarily laid on the gravel platform.

And Edward turned around, smiling, and made a gesture of invitation to Colin.

"Please, my dear friend, let us taste the treasures from Earl Derek's wine cellar together. Although that fellow betrayed me, I must say, his palate is still keen, surpassing me in wine tasting skills."

Luo Yan smiled and nodded, gladly accepting the kindness, walking beside Edward and heading towards the carriage side by side with the Grand Duke.

"Can you spoil tonight's menu to me?"

"I've heard there's whole poached salmon with lobster sauce, and sole rolls..."

Raising a hand to stop the coachman from stepping forward, Edward personally opened the door for his good buddy, smiling as he spoke.

"Of course, if you're already tired of Thunder City's seafood, I recommend the roast venison with plum sauce. The wild game of Glanston Bar is different from Silver Pine Forest; I've long coveted the venison here!"